Mariam

Mariam is the Ancient Biblical Greek (Μαριαμ) rendition of the Biblical Hebrew Miriam (מִרְיָם). Miriam is the more commonly used English version of this old Biblical name, but the Greek form of Mariam is also in use. Miryam is believed to have come from Egypt originally, derived from the Egyptian element “mry” meaning “beloved”. There are other unproven theories as to the name’s etymological meaning, including “rebelliousness” and “wished for child” (which essentially means “beloved” anyway). In the Book of Exodus from the Old Testament, Miriam is the older sister of Moses and Aaron. During the time of Moses’ birth, the Pharaoh had orders in place to kill all newborn Israelite boys. In order to save his life, Moses’ mother (Jochebed) set the infant afloat in a reed basket on the Nile River. Miriam was appointed to watch over the baby, and when she saw the Pharaoh’s daughter take pity on the child and retrieve him from the water to take him home, Miriam offered to find an Israelite woman to nurse him for the princess (thus cleverly returning Moses to his own mother). As an aside, ancient women belonged to an early version of the La Leche League in that a typical weaning would happen between the ages of three and six. After that, Moses was returned to Pharaoh’s court, but not before understanding his Hebrew heritage from his “real” family. Miriam is also considered a prophetess in Judeo-Christian tradition and one who fearlessly helped lead the Israelites out of Egypt (well, actually God did most of the work by sending the Ten Plagues upon Egypt and giving Moses the power to part the Red Sea). After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea safely, Moses sent the waters back down on Pharaoh’s army and drowned them. At which point in time, Moses and his sister Miriam lead their people in a victory song [Exodus 15]. Later in the Bible, Miriam and Aaron become a little huffy that Moses was getting all the attention, accolades and decision-making power among the people [Numbers 12]. “Has the Lord not spoken through us also?” Miriam and Aaron indignantly ask each other. Apparently the Lord didn’t appreciate their insubordination, so Miriam was struck down with leprosy. God then restored Miriam’s health after Moses uttered these five words on behalf of his sister: “O God, please heal her”. Although the Lord granted Moses’ wish, He still made Miriam suffer for another week of punishment (sort of a harsher version of a “time-out” from your Father). Despite Miriam’s “rebelliousness” she is still greatly “beloved” in the Jewish tradition and her ancient name has been long used in honor of this strong and feisty woman. Arguably one of the first women-libber’s, we can’t really blame old Miriam for wanting more power. The name Miriam was eventually embraced outside of the Jewish community when Puritans adopted it during the Protestant Reformation. Today, Miriam is a high ranking name in Austria, Spain and Catalonia. The spelling of Mariam is most popular in Catalonia, Spain where it enjoys Top 100 status.